New Zealand Foreign Minister Expresses Concern at Beijing’s Pacific Engagement

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi holding a meeting with Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa (not pictured) after agreements signing ceremony between China and Samao in Apia, Samao, on May 28, 2022. Vaitogi Matafeo/Samoa Ovserver/AFP via Getty Images

Chinese and New Zealand foreign ministers spoke on June 13 to discuss bilateral relations and exchange views on Beijing’s growing involvement in the Pacific region.

The virtual meeting occurred after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi finished a diplomatic tour around the Pacific, during which he attempted to mobilize 10 Pacific nations to sign off on an economic and security pact.